Heat Mitigation Strategies
Reimaging K12 Play Spaces
Intense heat is an increasing public health concern, particularly for children who spend time outdoors on school playgrounds during the hottest parts of the day. Young people are especially vulnerable to extreme heat because their bodies heat up faster than adults, they often engage in vigorous physical activity, and they may not recognize the early symptoms of heat stress or dehydration. As heat waves intensify, rethinking playground design has become a critical resilience strategy. Integrating shade structures, drought-tolerant trees, permeable surfaces, and cooler ground materials can significantly reduce heat exposure while creating healthier outdoor learning environments for children.
Click images below to see the before (current) and after (reimagined) spaces.
Explorer Middle School – 3/14/2026
Wildfire Elementary School – 3/14/2026
Fireside Elementary School – 3/14/2026
Heat mitigation strategies protect youth from immediate heat-related illness and contribute to long-term environmental equity by ensuring that all students have access to safe, climate-resilient play spaces.
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3965 E Cat Balue Drive
Phoenix, AZ
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Mon – Thurs: 9am – 2pm
Weekends: Closed
Holidays: Closed
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